KARACHI: Bahria University Health Sciences Campus Karachi (BUHSCK) hosted its 8th International Conference on September 29, bringing together researchers, healthcare practitioners and experts to discuss innovative approaches to mental health.
Held at the Ibn-e-Sina Auditorium, the conference focused on the theme “Innovation in Mental Health: From Technology to Community Empowerment.” The event examined ways to develop scalable and inclusive mental health solutions by combining technological innovation with community-based approaches.
The programme began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by Durood-e-Ibrahimi.
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In his opening remarks, Director General BUHSCK Vice Admiral (R) Athar Mukhtar HI(M) highlighted the need to connect advanced digital healthcare technologies with grassroots community action.
Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Syed Irfan Hyder, Vice Chancellor of Salim Habib University, commended BUHSCK for organising the conference. He noted that technologies such as artificial intelligence and tele-mental health can help expand access to care, while stressing the importance of ethics and compassion when serving remote communities.
Prof. Dr. Iqbal Afridi delivered the opening plenary keynote, titled “Health and Wellbeing of Medical Students and Academia: A Compelling Need”. His address highlighted the importance of protecting the mental health and wellbeing of medical students, healthcare trainees and academic staff.
The conference featured scientific paper presentations, expert talks, pre-conference workshops, a poster competition and panel discussions. Scientific sessions brought together national and international experts from academia, psychiatry and healthcare.
Among the speakers were Prof. Dr. Raza Rahman, Dean of Hamdard University; Prof. Dr. Yasir Abbasi, Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director at Ardens Medical Center, Dubai; Dr. Naeem Al-Aswad, Chief Medical Officer at Vital Signs & Vital Skills, Texas; Prof. Washdev Amar, Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Dow University of Health Sciences; and Dr. Anil Bhagwani, Postdoctoral Fellow at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York.
In his remarks, Rector Bahria University Vice Admiral Abid Hameed HI(M) appreciated the speakers, guests, researchers, faculty members and participants for their contributions to the conference.
He said meaningful progress in mental health requires a balanced approach combining innovation, ethical practice and community engagement. He expressed confidence that the knowledge and collaborations generated through the conference would contribute to improving mental health awareness, education and services in Pakistan.
At the conclusion of the session, Rector Bahria University Vice Admiral Abid Hameed HI(M) and Vice Admiral (R) Athar Mukhtar HI(M) presented a souvenir to Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Syed Irfan Hyder.
